WO2002001450A2 - People network communication system - Google Patents

People network communication system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002001450A2
WO2002001450A2 PCT/SG2001/000133 SG0100133W WO0201450A2 WO 2002001450 A2 WO2002001450 A2 WO 2002001450A2 SG 0100133 W SG0100133 W SG 0100133W WO 0201450 A2 WO0201450 A2 WO 0201450A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
message
user
computer
central computer
remote computer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SG2001/000133
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2002001450A3 (en
Inventor
Yew Chong Riky Lee
Ah Soon Goh
Original Assignee
Yew Chong Riky Lee
Ah Soon Goh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Yew Chong Riky Lee, Ah Soon Goh filed Critical Yew Chong Riky Lee
Priority to AU2001268018A priority Critical patent/AU2001268018A1/en
Publication of WO2002001450A2 publication Critical patent/WO2002001450A2/en
Publication of WO2002001450A3 publication Critical patent/WO2002001450A3/en

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/10Office automation; Time management
    • G06Q10/107Computer-aided management of electronic mailing [e-mailing]

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a network based communication system.
  • it relates to the use of the network based communication system in a range of applications.
  • Internet is a technology that combines, sound, text, graphics and motion pictures as one ultimate media.
  • Another vital quality of the Internet is its interactive nature. When compared to telephone, television (non-interactive media), the impact of the Internet on human kind is undoubtedly greater.
  • users of the Internet have already expanded from only a small number of research users to many millions of home and office's users worldwide.
  • Trading on the Internet, which is commonly know as E-commerce, is growing exponentially, from millions of dollars to billions of dollars. It is through the Internet, that, worldwide cash-less transactions can be realized. In many respects, the Internet is useful and universal. However, it does have some pitfalls.
  • One typical complaint is the long waiting time required to access Internet contents. As the most common way of accessing the Internet is through the use of a computer, computer illiteracy is a factor in reducing its application.
  • portals are directed to tightly focused content areas geared toward a particulai- audience.
  • B2C portals ie portals which target to sell from Businesses to Consumers.
  • B2B portals models for Business to Business (B2B) portals are still evolving, although the pace of expansion has accelerated recently (the Gartner Group estimates B2B revenue worldwide to be $7.29 trillion dollars by 2004).
  • B2B portals also known as e-biz, basically provide an exchange of products, services, or information between businesses rather than between businesses and consumers.
  • B2B Web sites can be sorted into:
  • Company Web sites The target audience for many company Web sites is other companies and their employees. Company Web sites can be thought of as round-the-clock mini-trade exhibits. Sometimes a company Web site serves as the entrance to an exclusive extranet available only to customers or registered site users. Some company Web sites also sqll directly from the site, which means they are also a B2C web site.
  • Product supply and procurement exchanges (or Supply-Chain), where a company purchasing agent can shop for supplies from vendors, request proposals, and, in some cases, bid to make a purchase at a desired price.
  • Brokering sites that act as an intermediary between someone wanting a product or service and potential providers. Equipment leasing is an example.
  • Information sites which provide information about a particular industry for its companies and their employees. These include specialized search sites and trade and industry standards organization sites.
  • the traditional way of buying and selling involves seller and buyer.
  • the intermediate parties are wholesaler, distributor, retailer, agent and broker.
  • the norm for buying and selling whether the activities involve corporate selling and buying (services and products) or personal buying and selling (examples are properties, vehicles or shares), usually involve intermediate parties. Whilst intermediate parties can contribute to this buying/selling process their involvement comes at a financial cost.
  • many portals have tried to eliminate the role of these intermediate parties to provide a better approach for business and private transactions.
  • One typical example is to display seller's products and services information on the web. Buyer then contacts the seller through the use of e-mail.
  • the disadvantage of these portals is that business associates or private buyers are not able to correspond or interact with the seller directly.
  • the invention may be characterised by two distinct and separate communication systems which may, if desired, be combined.
  • the first independent aspect is designated JUST CALL ME, whilst the second independent aspect is designated as In-Agent.
  • JUST CALL ME JUST CALL ME
  • a method of communication in a network which includes at least a central computer and a first remote computer, comprising:
  • the method further comprises the steps of:
  • a method of communication in a network which includes at least a central computer and a remote computer, comprising the steps of:
  • a method of operating a remote computer for communication in a network comprising: (a) inputting a list of prioritized communication media designated by a user of the remote computer;
  • the list of prioritized communication media is established by selection from a list including user contact addresses for e-mail, telephone, radio, television, satellite link, facsimile, voice mail, hard copy mail, pager, mobile phone, message services, teleconferencing, audioline, voice interactive systems, chat line, ICQ, web sites, and/or computers.
  • a method of operating a remote computer for communication in a network comprising:
  • a method of operating a central computer for communication in a network comprising:
  • the remote computer(s) communicates with the central computer over a communications network operating using a variety or mixture of protocols comprising Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCPIP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Hyper Test Transfer Protocol (HTTP), or Third Generation (3G).
  • TPIP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
  • WAP Wireless Application Protocol
  • FTP File Transfer Protocol
  • HTTP Hyper Test Transfer Protocol
  • 3G Third Generation
  • a remote computer for communication in a network comprising: (a) an input device to input a list of prioritized communication media designated by a user of the remote computer;
  • the remote computer further comprises at least one selection screen from which the list of prioritized communication media is established, the screen including user contact addresses for e-mail, telephone, radio, television, satellite link, facsimile, voice mail, hard copy mail, pager, mobile phone, message services, teleconferencing, audioline, voice interactive systems, chat line, ICQ, web sites and/or computers.
  • the screen including user contact addresses for e-mail, telephone, radio, television, satellite link, facsimile, voice mail, hard copy mail, pager, mobile phone, message services, teleconferencing, audioline, voice interactive systems, chat line, ICQ, web sites and/or computers.
  • a remote computer for communication in a network comprising:
  • a message initiator to send a message to a central computer identifying a user of another remote computer as the intended addressee for the message; and (b) a message receiver to receive at least the highest priority of a list of prioritized communication media designated by the other remote computer and stored in the central computer.
  • a central computer for communication in a network comprising: (a) a message receiver to receive a message from a remote computer identifying a list of prioritized communication media designated by a user of the remote computer;
  • the message receiver further adapted to receive a message from another remote computer identifying a user of the remote computer of the user as the intended addressee for the message;
  • a message initiator to send a message from the central computer to the other remote computer, the message at least including the highest priority of the prioritized communication media.
  • the availability of the property, goods and/or services includes information relating to the price, description, image, inspection and/or supply of the property, goods and/or services.
  • the communications include the central computer responding with additional availability information relating to the property, goods and/or services.
  • the communications include the central computer negotiating the purchase and/or hire of the property, goods and/or services according to predetermined directions from the user of the first remote computer.
  • the communications include the central computer receiving a purchase and/or a hire order including some or all purchase monies relating to a purchase or hire of the property, goods and/or services.
  • the communications include bids for the purchase or hire of the property, goods and/or services.
  • the communications include the central computer issuing confirmation notification of the purchase and/or hire of the property, goods and/or services.
  • the method further comprises: (f) sending a message from the first computer to the central computer identifying a list of prioritized comm iication media designated by a user of the first remote computer; and
  • the list of prioritized communication media is established by selection from a list including user contact addresses for e-mail, telephone, radio, television, satellite link, facsimile, voice mail, hard copy mail, pager, mobile phone, message services, teleconferencing, audioline, voice interactive systems, chat line, ICQ, web sites, and/or computers.
  • the method further comprises: (h) in response to a communication by one or more of the users of the other computers relating to the property, goods and/or services, retrieving from the central computer the stored list of prioritized communication media designated by the first remote computer; and
  • a central computer for communication in a network comprising:
  • a message receiver to receive a message from a first remote computer to the central computer engaging the central computer as a broker/host for a potential business transaction relating to predetermined property, goods and/or services to be offered by the user of the first computer;
  • a receiver to receive in the central computer, communications between one or more of the users of the other computers and the central computer relating to the property, goods and/or services; d) a memory to store the communications between one or more of the users of the other computers and the central computer relating to the property, goods and/or services;
  • the availability of the property, goods and/or services includes information relating to the price, description, image, inspection and/or supply of the property, goods and/or services.
  • the central computer is further characterized by:
  • the message receiver being adapted to receive a message from the remote computer identifying a list of prioritized communication media designated by the user of the remote computer;
  • the message initiator being adapted to send a message from the central computer to one or more of the other computers, the message at least including the highest priority of the prioritized communication media.
  • the list of prioritized communication media is established by selection from a list including user contact addresses for e-mail, telephone, radio, television, satellite link, facsimile, voice mail, hard copy mail, pager, mobile phone, message services, teleconferencing, audioline, voice interactive systems, chat line, ICQ, web sites, and/or computers.
  • a computer based communications system for human interaction comprising:
  • the interaction evaluation system is not adapted to share information between a first user and the second user unless both users agree to do so.
  • the information characterizing interests include hobbies, sport and/or other recreational interests of a user.
  • the predetermined questions in the first screen include a love test, emotion test, honesty test, courage test, a loyalty test and/or a trustworthy test.
  • the third evaluation screen displays a calculation of a rating(s) based upon the inputted date into the first screen.
  • This system may be used in conjunction with JUST CALL ME and/or BUSINESS IN-AGENT
  • JUST CALL ME The key feature of JUST CALL ME is to establish a list of prioritized communication media in the central computer which is the preferred form of communication by a user of system who is inviting communication with him or her by others. Obviously, the communication tools at any given time are those available in the market. With JUST CALL ME established in strategic locations in the portal, Internet surfers can contact a desired second user/person through the use of any of the many different types of communication tools available on the market.
  • the communication enabling addresses is structured in an order of priority. They may be structured so that access to the communication enabling addresses by the first user may be controlled. Second users (communication receivers) may have a facility to enable them to create the order of priority they want on their web site on the portal.
  • the second users contact details may remain confidential while utilizing JUST CALL ME, so that the caller will not know the receiver's contact number from the Internet directly. This enhances privacy, which is a major concern relating to the operation of many portals in the Internet world. This does not rule out the possibility of disclosing the second user's contact information if the second user agrees.
  • JUST CALL ME a first user is able to access some basic information of second users who are people registered in the portal. These people are members of the portal and have registered certain interest in the activities available in the portal.
  • the first user After surfing the portal's content, the first user decides to contact a particular member who we designate as a receiver. Upon clicking the JUST CALL ME icon, a page will display all available communication tools this 'receiver' has. The first user can select randomly from the available communication tools or alternatively refer to a priority list of communication enabling address modes, which display the receiver's preferred contact choice in descending order. The priority list serves to inform the first user which communication tools are more reliable in contacting the 'receiver'.
  • a particular 'receiver' owns a pager, mobile phone and e-mail. Though he carries both his pager and mobile phone at all times; he mainly uses the mobile phone only when his pager is activated. In short the 'receiver' only uses his mobile phone when someone pages him.
  • This receiver's priority list therefore lists his pager as 1 st priority, e-mail as 2 nd priority and mobile phone as 3 rd priority.
  • JUST CALL ME Another feature of JUST CALL ME which can be incorporated is an "Automatic Dialer'.
  • the first user in the event the first user fails to contact the 'receiver' on a particular selected communication tool, the first user can use the 'Automatic Dialer' in JUST CALL ME. Based on the priority list the system automatically proceeds to dial to the next most highly prioritised communication enabling address mode until the system is able to make contact with the 'receiver' and accomplish communication.
  • JUST CALL ME encompasses Normal or Short Message Service (SMS) Paging, Direct Email, traditions Telephone, Audioline Service, Mobile Telephone, Voice Interactive System, Chat Line, ICQ, Teleconferencing and any other suitable modes of communication
  • SMS Short Message Service
  • JUST CALL ME the first user can actually make use of, say, a mobile phone to inform the receiver to go to another communication tool such as the Chat Line or to attend to Teleconferencing at a certain time of day.
  • the system may also be designed to inform a group of receivers at a click of an icon to contact a range of receivers the first user desires to contact.
  • the JUST CALL ME can be used to provide access to a range of activities from commercial to social events. It can be used to play the role of agents, brokers and intermediate parties of the future. It can be used to make enquiries, negotiation, sale confirmation and conduct consultations with the relevant professionals such as solicitors, bankers and insurance agents.
  • IN-AGENT provides transparency between the Agent and the Principal when conducting business in this communication network. All interactions between a third party and the Agent is accessible by the Principal. As such the system is a tool to help eliminate potential distrust between the Agent and Principal.
  • the key feature of the JUST CALL ME is to establish a list of prioritized communication media in the central computer which is the preferred form of communication by a user of system who is inviting communication with him or her by others.
  • the BUSINESS IN-AGENT may be used separately or in combination with JUST CALL ME.
  • the following are specific examples of potential applications of these features.
  • An 'Enquiry' task may be used to handle all enquiries that surround all imaginable activities.
  • a user may make enquiry in an unrestricted range of portals such as the Home Net, Vehicle Net, Shopping Paradise or Auction House as well as widening one's circle of acquaintance in the Friendship Net. These portals are described in detail below. As the system permits the preferred means of communication to be specified, a more harmonious dialogue is likely to be established.
  • a 'Negotiation' task may be used to help activities that need a certain level of discretion and to avoid conflict during negotiation.
  • the main role in 'Negotiation' is to allow buyers and sellers to negotiate business or private deals in a harmonious way.
  • a 'Sale Confirmation' task may be used to close a business or private transaction.
  • buyers and sellers make some basic commitment to each business or private deal by allowing the portal to be the main center for confirmation.
  • the portal holds the said sum and reimburses the said amount when the sale of the vehicle is completed.
  • a 'Professional Advice' task may be used to give some advice to first users who are enrolled as members on the various activities in portal hosts.
  • the portal may be used to provide a list of solicitors so that members are able to go through the list, select the right adviser and make a call to him or her to seek legal advice via the JUST CALL ME facility.
  • Match-n-Mix
  • a 'Match-n Mix' task may be used to allow members to post their buying needs and selling conditions on the Internet. For example, potential buyers surf through the portal but cannot find the items they want to buy. Here the portal allows them to post their 'wanted product' according to defined categories and sends out this message to different sources. Thus the portal has created a two-way traffic in this scenario.
  • Figure 1 is a flow chart showing a one form of operation of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a flow chart of a general business operation according to the invention
  • Figure 3 is a flow chart showing a further form of operation of the invention
  • Figure 4 is a flow chart showing a further form of operation of the invention.
  • Figure 5 is a flow chart of a further form of operation of the invention.
  • Figure 6 is a home page of the Social In- Agent System
  • Figure 7 is a My Opinion screen of the Social In- Agent System
  • Figure 8 is a Sharing screen of the Social In- Agent System
  • Figure 9 is an Ice-breaker screen of the Social In- Agent System
  • Figure 10.1 is John's Login Page of the Social In- Agent System:
  • Figure 10.2 is a Julia's Login Page of the Social In-Agent System
  • Figure 11 is John's Love Test Results of the Social In-Agent System
  • Figure 12 is an Update Sharing screen of the Social In-Agent System.
  • JUST CALL ME is used as part of an In-Agent portal the flow chart shown in Figure 1 can be used as a guide for proceeding.
  • a buyer can use the "In-Agent' under 'Enquiry' to make contact with the property owner.
  • the property owner will activate the 'JUST CALL ME so that buyers can contact him.
  • the communication tools for 'JUST CALL ME' include pager, e-mail and fax. If the property owner prefers not to reveal his mobile phone number as he is concerned about nuisance calls, he can deny access to the number until he is satisfied that a potential buyer is genuine.
  • the seller can register their 'selling interest' with the portal and indicate their conditions for selling. Following that, the product is registered in a database accessible via the portal, which means that the product will be available for the 'Match-n-Mix' operation. • The portal owners will then design and display these products on the relevant activity in the portal if these products are to be sold in the open market or participate in auctions or tenders;
  • Buyers can purchase or reserve products or services in various ways, "Buy using In-Agents', 'To bid' and 'To reserve'.
  • 'In- Agent' This involves the 'In- Agent'. As described earlier, for business transactions 'In- Agent' can come in five forms namely 'Enquiry', 'Negotiation', 'Professional Advice', Sales Confirmation' and 'Match-n-Mix'. The first four types of 'In- Agent' represent various activities in a typical buying process. • Through 'Enquiry' In-Agent, buyers can arrange physical viewing of products. For example, for vehicles, the portal owners or their agents assist in arranging for a test drive, for properties, they may assist in house visits and viewing.
  • the portal owners can assist in payment collection, and necessary document processing. Another role of the portal owners is to assist as witnesses or provide evidence when closing a deal.
  • the portal can help to search the products required by the buyers, or search for potential buyers for sellers within their database, and other additional sources. A note will be forwarded to sellers and buyers when the portal concludes a match. 'To Bid' and 'To Reserve'
  • the portal may provide auction processing in the following areas
  • the portal can act on behalf of merchants (e.g. pub or restaurants owners) on payment collections, and to forward them an on-line reservation list.
  • merchants e.g. pub or restaurants owners
  • This portal may cater the site to all walks of people, be they businessmen, executives, construction workers, tertiary students or entertainment groups.
  • the concept and design of the portal may generally work towards the Maslow' Hierarchy a theory which addresses various human needs from Survival to Self- Actualization.
  • the portal By allowing and encouraging people to furnish information about themselves (both personal and business), the portal is able to create a 'People Network'. Members join the portal not for the sake of activities but for the people in its portal. To accomplish this task, the portal may offer three web pages for all its members, being the Personal Web Page, Professional Web Page and the Nickname Web Page. To attract members' participation, the portal may provide a wide range of web page designs and layouts. It could provide an opportunity for members to show what they are good at. To show off each individual skill or talent, members can fulfill his or her wish in 'Free Expression Corner'. The portal may differentiate web activities into those of a business nature and those of a social nature. For business activities, the portal can easily segment.
  • segments include Enquiry, Negotiation, Sales Confirmation, Professional Advice and 'Match-n-Mix.
  • segments can be Tee Breaker', 'Sharing' and 'My Opinion'.
  • the portal is grouped under the 'In- Agent' that functions differently on different activities. As mentioned, 'In- Agent' will work together with the communication tools in 'JUST CALL ME'.
  • a user of the 'Friendship Net' can surf the portal and make purchases from the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' while at the same time sending an e-mail attaching some product information to his friends back in the 'Friendship Net'.
  • the user can also put up his property for sale and look for a new property in the 'Home Net'. Once he has sold his property and bought a new home, he can subsequently sell his used furniture in the 'Auction House'. He can then proceed to the 'Global On-line Shopping Paradise' to make purchases of merchandise for his new home.
  • the portal may have one screen design or template or each activity.
  • a user can select products or services and add into those screens.
  • 'Home Net' a 'Home Screen' can be provided for the member to add when he or she likes a particular property and decides to get more information on that particular property.
  • 'Vehicle Net' a 'Vehicle Screen' can be assigned to help members to shop and select his or her ideal vehicles for follow-up actions.
  • the portal system may be able to track individual user's surfing behaviour and highlight the activities these users have gone through. For example, if a user visited the Online Shopping Paradise' and selected merchandise ID 123 into the 'Shopping Cart', he or she might subsequently decide not to make any purchase and empty the item. On the database associated with the portal it is possible to capture this information and display this same information in the user's 'Weekly Activities Tracker' so that the user is aware of what he or she had done during his or her last visit to the portal.
  • the portal can provide a range of different payment methods. These payment methods comprise Online Visa Payment, Cash Card Payment, Cyberdebit Payment, Cheque Payment and Cash On Delivery Payment.
  • the portal may allow surfers to log in under three icons namely 'Members', 'New Members' and 'Visitors'. Visitors may be allowed to browse or roam through the web site freely and feel the dynamics of its content. Once they feel comfortable and decide to take part in the activities available, they may sign up as 'New Members'. To sign up as 'New Members' they may need to provide basic background information so as to reduce fraud.
  • Members can be categorized into 'Ordinary Members' and 'Corporate Members'.
  • the purpose of these two groups is to subsequently expand from B2C to B2B.
  • the portal may be associated with a 'Commerce Net' for this purpose.
  • 'Password Protected' web pages being a Personal web page and Professional Web Page.
  • the member can present selective information such as address, family information, photographs, video clips of any event on the web. Only official information is presented here.
  • members who want to highlight their career or profession they may make use of a 'Professional Web Page'.
  • the content on these pages may be limited to information of the member concerning his or her profession such as law, medicine, property services etc.
  • 'Nickname Web Page' may include member's nickname, sex, age, favorite sport, food, birthday wishes, ambition, dream, talent, present job or profession. Of course it is most important for the member to enable the 'JUST CALL ME' features so that other members can make contact or use the members services.
  • the portal may provide a sample of the Personal Web Page for reference.
  • the system may be able to automatically retrieve official information from the registration site to allow members to be selective in displaying information on the web site, such as address, family information, photographs, video clips of any event.
  • the member will be encouraged to use the 'JUST CALL ME' features by selecting the various modes of contact, such as telephone, SMS page, email, mobile phone, chat line and teleconferencing.
  • the objective is to allow the member to be contacted by anyone that surfs the web site whilst leaving control in the member's hand. Once members feel that surfers have intruded into their privacy, they may be able to disable all form of communication or change their contact numbers.
  • the system may allow members to add their favorite web sites under the icon 'Categorize Favorites' which enables direct links from the portal to other interesting web sites.
  • a Nickname Web Page allows more room and fun for members to socialize.
  • the member can create a nickname, provide information to surfers who want to know more about the member.
  • the form of communication can also be selective. Editing and amending contact numbers may also be possible.
  • Professional Web Page
  • the content on this page is preferably professional information concerning the member. There may be scope for members to freely illustration and elaborate on their expertise, track records and cases they handle.
  • the system may provide a grouping facility so that members, after surfing their popular web sites are able to bookmark these favorite web sites, in category forms.
  • a 'Friendship Net' function may be provided to allow a member to have a personal web page to post up official information with photographs such as childhood photos, family photos, overseas trip's photos and even wedding photos.
  • the 'Friendship Net' could also enable members to make announcements, such as holiday trips and overseas study so that friends can keep in touch. These activities can be self-posting on the web so that members can make amendments or insertions of information on their personal web page in the portal. This feature could be 'password' protected.
  • 'Friendship Net' can be enabled to alert members to attend to the In-house chat line. In this way, members can keep confidentiality of their address, contact numbers and identity before deciding what information they wish to reveal to their new friends. Members can also create their own interest groups and organize their own outdoor or indoor activities.
  • the 'Friendship Net' may comprise a simple search engine for all members joining this site.
  • Members can list their hobbies, outdoor activities, sports, type of new friends they prefer such as overseas/local, race, age or gender. In addition, members may even provide a list of what to expect for birthdays or house warmings. With this data in the search engine, members should be readily able to search for their ideal new friends.
  • Another aspect of 'Friendship Net' could involve enabling members to host live events such as wedding occasions and birthday parties. This can be done through the installation of an Internet video camera. Members can also post a short 'video clip' of an event they want their friends to view or a short speech on the net.
  • a member explores the 'Friendship Net' and views each individual's information available on the web site. To search for a new friend, the member clicks on the 'Looking For New Friends?' icon to select and search the type of new friend they want.
  • the system provides a simple search engine to select a list of new friends in the 'Friendship Screen'. The member can visit the nickname page or personal web page of these new friends and get more information about them.
  • the member decides upon the right candidate to contact, he can use 'JUST CALL ME' to communicate. Alternatively, the member can direct his new friends to utilize 'JUST CALL ME' to page, to call on his mobile phone or to go to the chat line in 'Join Chat Line' for establishing contact.
  • the member may get to know a few new friends and may decide to set up a group.
  • the system allows them to form a group preferably with a minimum of 5 members.
  • the benefit of having a group is group members are able to use 'JUST CALL ME' features to communicate with all members for organizing, communication and activities.
  • Another special feature, 'Group Contact' may be provided to enable members to contact a group of friends by the click of an icon.
  • a 'Heart-to-Heart Chat' feature may be provided to allow a member to receive any anonymous e-mail from anyone, on a sensitive subject. An anonymous person can send a confidential message to this member and can still expect a reply, without revealing the caller's identity.
  • the objective of having this feature is to let more people come forward to seek advice and help and bearing in mind the system may have a list of social workers these people can turn to.
  • a 'Free Expression Corner' may be designed to give members an opportunity to express freely what they want the world to know.
  • the portal members submit their works, be it in a form of recorded sound, a poem, computer graphics, a video clip, an article, the system may process, categorize them, and display them on the web.
  • Web visitors can visit their works in various sections, such as singing, movie, painting, poems, literature or special skill etc. After viewing their works, the visitor may be provided with a facility to rate their works accordingly. Visitors can also contact the originator through the use of 'JUST CALL ME'.
  • the system may include a 'Home Net' facility to allow all owners to register their property on the network. Besides exposing the property in photographs, video clips and other information, the system can play a role of coordination in the sale of the property. With these listing services, sellers and buyers will use it to assist in property sales coordination. This aspect of the system is termed 'Property Negotiator'.
  • the system may allow sellers of properties to post their property's information on the web site for sale. Sellers may supply information to the web site that incorporates the information by e- mail to the overall system including the database upon 'Property for Sale'. A property ID can be generated to tag on that specified property.
  • Property owners can also send their property's photographs or video clips so the system owners can post it on to the web site. Alternatively the system allows them to post their property's photographs on their property's page, on the net, or send information by post to system owners' office. On registration, property owners can specify whether they want to take part in the property tender or opening listing. In-Agents in 'Home Net' Enquiry
  • Interested buyers after selecting a list of properties into the 'Home Screen' can start to make telephone calls for more detail information or arrange for viewing by using the 'JUST CALL ME' feature. All buyers' identities can be registered in the Database.
  • the property owner may require all buyers to send a confirmation message in 'Sale Confirmation' in order to secure the sale. This should eliminate all insincere buyers and close sales with genuine buyers only and may in turn reduce the possibility of price speculation.
  • buyer can make an offer through the "Sale Confirmation" by providing his solicitor or lawyer's name and company with an offer price of the intended property.
  • the system or system owners can act as the coordinator by helping buyer to highlight the offer price to the owner in accepting the letter of offer issued by the buyer's lawyer.
  • property buyers and sellers can authorize the system owners to hold any deposit payable to property owner. This deposit may come with a Letter of Offer. Upon signing of the Sale and Purchase Agreement, the system or system owners will forward the deposit to the property owner.
  • the system can provide a list of solicitors for members. After viewing and negotiation of the price of a property, a member can click on to the 'Professional Advice' to select from the list of solicitors and call them online to seek legal advice and subsequently use their services.
  • the system can refer all its property finance and insurance companies to its members for easy property loan or property insurance coverage to facilitate the completion of sale.
  • the system may include a 'Home Tender' facility which can be set on a closing date for the property to go for tender facility which can be following a set viewing period.
  • Interested buyers may make arrangements to view the property before the tender date by using the 'JUST CALL ME' features to contact owner/agents. Up to the tender date, interested buyers can either contact the agency that conducts the tender or make an offer tlirough the system by going to "Home Tender" and providing their solicitor's information. The system can follow up from this point.
  • Vehicle Net Vehicle Net
  • the main objectives of being able to have a Vehicle Net facility are to help car dealers and car owners advertise their vehicles on the web, and, to assist buyers and sellers of vehicles in gathering information pertaining to every vehicle available in the market.
  • the virtual vehicle mart may be equipped with a range of net facilities, such as video showroom, photo gallery and matching capability for car seekers.
  • the system may also participate in arranging viewing of vehicles for auction, arrangement of finance and insurance and in the pipeline, import and export of vehicles.
  • the system may allow sellers of vehicles to post their vehicle's information on a web site for sale. Members will fill up information on the web site and this information may be submitted via e-mail to the system. Upon receipt of e-mail, the system may import this information onto the database under 'For Sale'. A vehicle ID can be generated to tag that vehicle.
  • Vehicle owners can send their vehicle's photographs or video clips so that it can be posted on the web site. Alternatively, it may be possible for owners to post their vehicle's photographs on their vehicle's page, on the net, or send information by post to the system's office. On registration, vehicle owners may specify whether they want to take part in a vehicle auction or an opening listing.
  • the system/owners can advise car owners to let interested buyers sign a letter of indemnity so that an owner's vehicle is protected.
  • the system/owners can play the role of witness for a test-drive and charge a fee.
  • the system can help them to close the deal by confirming the sale.
  • the system can include 'Sale Confirmation' to allow buyers to malce a firm offer and for the seller to seriously consider the offer.
  • the system may have a list of vehicle dealers to help members. After surfing the vehicle net for vehicle information, members can seek advice from listed dealers on matters such as compatible prices of types of vehicles and transfer of ownership procedures.
  • Match-n-Mix In the even potential buyers fail to select any vehicle from the Vehicle Net, they can always register their interest by providing their dream vehicle's details with the system. Upon registering, the system can provide a match-and-mix and inform the registered member subsequently if there is a right match in vehicle's information that suits his requirement.
  • the system allows vehicle owners to use the Match-n-Mix facility if the vehicle owner does not want to advertise publicly. In this case, the system informs the seller of any suitable buyers that come by.
  • Vehicle Auction Net For auction vehicles, interested buyers may refer to the base price established by the seller and start bidding through the Internet or telephone. However, to secure each bid, the interested buyer may have to make a deposit,
  • Vehicle Finance and Insurance In the whole process of vehicle transaction, the system may refer all its vehicle finance or insurance companies to its members for easy vehicle loan or vehicle insurance coverage to facilitate the completion of sale. A click to the 'Finance & Insurance' may allow members to get a list of finance and insurance companies nominating a contact person. The contact would be provided at a click of the 'JUST CALL ME' icon.
  • the system's Online Shopping Paradise may be set up to facilitate buying, selling and reservations on-line. This may be used to bring retail shops and shopping malls globally on the net, and provide a single point shopping experience for consumers. Registration of Merchant's Product
  • a consumer accesses the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise'. If the consumer likes a product, but has questions, he/she can then click on a 'contact's icon'. The 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' would then connect the consumer with retailers via 'JUST CALL ME'. The consumer can make enquiries and negotiate prices at this point of time. Upon confirmation of purchase, the consumer may malce payment via cash card or credit card, or opt for the 'order and pay later' method. The 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' may execute the transaction automatically, and e-mail or fax the confirmation order to the retailer. If necessary, it may be followed by a telephone call to the retailer to confirm the delivery date and time. If the merchandise is meant for a gift/present, the consumer may request that the merchandise be wrapped as a gift with greeting card attached. Upon delivery, the deliveryman may witness the status of the merchandise with the consumer, sign the relevant documents, and collect the payment at the same time.
  • the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' may be integrated with other associated webs of the 'iwantthese.com' portal.
  • the lobby of the 'iwantthese.com' portal may be the starting point for the web surfer to shop, search for information, buy and sell cars or houses, socialize among members, sell personal items, participate in auctions and more.
  • a shopping cart After check-in, a shopping cart will be assigned to the shopper.
  • the shopper can add or remove merchandise to or from this shopping cart. If necessary, he or she can view the shopping cart contents or empty the shopping cart.
  • the shopper When the shopper first enters the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise', by default, he/she will go direct to his or her origin country for shopping. For example, if the shopper is from Singapore, the system may display the message "You are shopping in Singapore!. This message can be made to reflect the exact shopping location. For instance, if the shopper decides to shop in a medical shop in Malaysia, the message will change to "You are shopping in XX medical shop of Malaysia!.
  • the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' may be integrated with other associated webs of the 'iwantthese.com' portal.
  • the lobby of the 'iwantthese.com' portal may be the starting point for the web surfer to shop, search for information, buy and sell cars or houses, socialize among members, sell personal items, participate in auctions and more.
  • the 'Global On-line Shopping Paradise' may display the following hyperlinks, which correspond to the following shop categories in a country.
  • the shopper may also be able to access the following menus: a) Product Search Engine b) New Product Introduction c) Promotion Corner d) Reservation On-line e) Retailer Corner f) Direct Manufacturer Sales Channel g) Members Corner h) Forums
  • This new menu aims to cater for various types of shopper behavior. For example 'window shoppers', do not know what they want but will malce a purchase if they see something interesting. Another common group of shoppers is 'objective shoppers' who already know exactly which item they would like to buy. A third group of shoppers, designated 'cheap items shopper', usually look for cheaper or sales items. A fourth group of shoppers, termed 'impulsive shoppers', often decide their purchase based on impulse. The 'window shoppers' can click on a specific category, and the hyperlink will connect them to a list of shops belonging to that category. Upon entering a virtual shop, the shopper will see the 'shop front' in the form of photographs and text description.
  • the 'shop front' lists the shop address, contact number, operation hours and business focus.
  • the 'shop front' page also has various icons such as 'Contact' icon, 'Hot chili Deals' icon and 'Product List' icon that display a list of products in the shop.
  • 'Shop Product Search Engine' for the shopper to search for items in the shop.
  • the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' provides different types of search engines to assist this group of shoppers to seek their ideal merchandise.
  • the shopper can access the following searching facilities:
  • the 'Promotion Corner' is designed to help 'cheap items shopper' shop foi ⁇ promotion merchandise.
  • the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' can consolidate all promotion items from the retailers and displays them in the 'Promotion Corner'.
  • the 'Global online Shopping Paradise' can invite retailers to demonstrate their new products in the 'New Product Corner'. Shoppers can view photographs slide shows or video as well as information related to the product. As shoppers may change their shopping behavior during shopping, the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' should allow shoppers to access to any of the above facilities at any point in time.
  • the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' can further provide an 'On-line Currency Conversion Utility' so that shoppers from different countries are able to calculate the selling price of the merchandise in their home currency. Furthermore, when adding the item in the shopping cart, the shopper can select the type of payment and delivery method.
  • 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' can provide many product guidelines such as photo display, video, direct on-line enquiry through IRC, shopper comments, to help shoppers in deciding whether they should purchase the merchandise.
  • 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' can also support 'reservation on-line' for e-restaurants. For e-restaurants, consumers can order from the on-line food menu, make on-line payment and confirm schedule time for lunch or dinner. The e-restaurants will then prepare the food in advance (according to the on-line food menu), reserve the table with prepared food at the confirmed time. Consumers no longer need to queue or wait upon arrival at the restaurants.
  • Retailers can access various options to help them manage their business.
  • One useful tool is the 'On-line Inventory Management System'. This system maintains inventory records of all merchandise selling in the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise'. For instance, with this tool, retailers can edit or change the inventory quantity on the Internet.
  • retailers can advertise in the 'Wanted Products' icon or visit the 'Manufacturers Corner' icon.
  • the 'Manufacturers Corner' icon allows manufacturers to advertise their products in detail. This creates a supply chain for the retailers with the opportunity of securing more competitive prices for products in the market. Presently, shoppers are not able to purchase merchandise directly from manufacturers due to high costs associated with single order deliveries.
  • the System will help these merchants to monitor their sales enquiries.
  • the System will forward related information to the potential buyer and buyers can use the 'JUST CALL ME' features to communicate with the merchants.
  • the activities of the Auction House range from auction of used vehicles to general items such as retail or wholesale merchandise and second hand items. Participation in Bidding
  • Auction's Procedures There will be a period for physical viewing of each auction item, arranged between seller and buyer. Bidders can also view the items on the Internet in photographic or video form.
  • bidder can submit his or her bid on the net.
  • bidder needs to know the base price of each product and malce a payment equivalent to 20% of the value of the product to the system owners/managers during bidding. This payment is refundable.
  • the successful bidder can proceed to 'Sales Confirmation' to pay the balance of the 80%o bid's value online.
  • the successful bidder can acknowledge the bidding result and send out an acknowledgement message by informing the system that he is sending out the payment by normal mail.
  • In-agent is designed to perform multi-tasks in bringing human relationships closer and at the same time provide a business platform for all business associates to conduct business dealing in a more transparent manner, for all buyers, sellers and brokers.
  • the two main areas to focus on are the social and business fields.
  • we focus on the basic interaction in the Social field by creating three tasks being the 'ice-brealcer', 'sharing' and 'my opinion'.
  • 'ice-breaker' sets to nurture any new relationship from a cold start. It is through the social field that we are able to create a better understanding among people and then subsequently into the business field, which is the reason many businesses are concluded on the golf course.
  • Tn-agent Progress Summary' is basically an overview report for all parties that participate in a business transaction.
  • Social In-agent is about helping to grow the relationship between two unknown parties.
  • Social In-agent helps to grow the relationship by addressing the following 3 areas:
  • Each pointer corresponds to one personal characteristic.

Abstract

A method of communication in a network, which includes at least a central computer and a first remote computer, comprising: (a) sending a message from the first computer to the central computer identifying a list of prioritized communication media designated by a user of the first remote computer; and (b) storing the list of prioritized communication media in the central computer; (c) sending a message from a second computer to the central computer identifying to the user of the first remote computer as the addressee for the message; (d) in response to the receipt of the message, retrieving from the central computer the stored list of prioritized communication media designated by the first remote computer; (e) sending a message from the central computer to the second computer, the message including at least the highest priority of the prioritized communication media.

Description

PEOPLE NETWORK COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Field of the invention
This invention relates to a network based communication system. In particular non limiting aspects it relates to the use of the network based communication system in a range of applications.
Background of the invention
Since its introduction, the Internet has become indispensable. Individuals and businessmen from around the globe are using email for communication. Magazines and newspapers publish their contents on the Internet. It is possible to download CD quality music from the web now. People track stocks on the Internet. Deposits into or checks of a person's bank account can be made through the Internet. Teleconferencing on the Internet brings people closer. Schools and institutions are using the Internet to educate their students. Surfing and shopping on the Internet has become a leisure activity. Films are previewed on the Internet, and for some people, Cyber- Casino is the place for them to try their luck. This is just a fraction of what the Internet can do to change human life.
Internet is a technology that combines, sound, text, graphics and motion pictures as one ultimate media. Another vital quality of the Internet is its interactive nature. When compared to telephone, television (non-interactive media), the impact of the Internet on human kind is undoubtedly greater. In 5 years, users of the Internet have already expanded from only a small number of research users to many millions of home and office's users worldwide. Trading on the Internet, which is commonly know as E-commerce, is growing exponentially, from millions of dollars to billions of dollars. It is through the Internet, that, worldwide cash-less transactions can be realized. In many respects, the Internet is useful and universal. However, it does have some pitfalls. One typical complaint is the long waiting time required to access Internet contents. As the most common way of accessing the Internet is through the use of a computer, computer illiteracy is a factor in reducing its application.
Numerous developments are addressing the needs of more friendly use of the Internet. The use of WAP technology in mobile phones, enables mobile phones to access the Internet. Game machines such as 'Dreamcast', already allow users to surf the Internet by connecting to a television. Sony expects to equip their latest product, 'PlayStation 2', a game machine VCD/DVD player, with a fast speed Internet capability within a year. Set top box manufacturers are enhancing their products' capability of serving the Internet using normal television sets and a phone line with a call waiting facility. In the US, Microsoft is focusing on developing Web TV for sending email to friends and family, through the Internet. The development of Interactive TV that merges the Internet and television soon will become another common household item.
However, there are two vital areas that hold back development in the Internet arena:
• Use of Internet Communication
• The design and the underlying concept of Internet contents This invention seeks to introduce and provide improvements in at least one of these areas.
Current portal development
During the early days of the Internet, Internet sites providing search engines and directories such as Yahoo, Excite, Lycos, AltaVista were developed for surfers to find web addresses of interest. Such Engines or directories services only functioned as gateways on the web during this time. However, these sites quickly moved beyond offering just search capabilities and soon added additional services such as email, stock quotes, news, and community building.
These days, instead of the all-encompassing, general interest portal network of first generation portals, more and more web sites are moving into what it described as "vertical portals" (or Vortal), sites that will "drill down" to specific consumer interests. The following examples represent a small proportion of currently available "vertical portals": ecircle.com: designs for community building; ebay.com: is a famous auction site; propertybuyer.com: a Singapore property portal start-up; juzclickcar.com.sg: Singapore Technology (ST)'s very own vehicle portal; • animalhouse.com: caters for pets lovers; amazon.com: bookstore on-line; zdnet.com: on-line magazine stands; ezhealth. com: for health conscious persons; soundbuzz.com: music on-line; • e-travel.com: a travel portal support by software giant Oracle;
• poems. com.sg: internet stock trading;
• law.com: legal portal;
• film. com: entertainment portal focus on movie industry; • jobdb.com: a career net;
• garden.com: for gardeners.
These portals are directed to tightly focused content areas geared toward a particulai- audience.
Another Internet development trend has involved large access providers aggregating many individual portals targeted at various industries. For example, VerticalNet.com houses many portals, ranging from e-dental.com to beverageonline.com. Most aggregators currently have adopted the Yahoo style of content categories with a text-intensive, faster loading page that visitors find easy to use and return to.
What has been described so far are B2C portals, ie portals which target to sell from Businesses to Consumers. In the commercial arena, models for Business to Business (B2B) portals are still evolving, although the pace of expansion has accelerated recently (the Gartner Group estimates B2B revenue worldwide to be $7.29 trillion dollars by 2004). B2B portals also known as e-biz, basically provide an exchange of products, services, or information between businesses rather than between businesses and consumers. B2B Web sites can be sorted into:
• Company Web sites. The target audience for many company Web sites is other companies and their employees. Company Web sites can be thought of as round-the-clock mini-trade exhibits. Sometimes a company Web site serves as the entrance to an exclusive extranet available only to customers or registered site users. Some company Web sites also sqll directly from the site, which means they are also a B2C web site.
• Product supply and procurement exchanges (or Supply-Chain), where a company purchasing agent can shop for supplies from vendors, request proposals, and, in some cases, bid to make a purchase at a desired price.
• Brokering sites that act as an intermediary between someone wanting a product or service and potential providers. Equipment leasing is an example. • Information sites: which provide information about a particular industry for its companies and their employees. These include specialized search sites and trade and industry standards organization sites.
The traditional way of buying and selling involves seller and buyer. The intermediate parties are wholesaler, distributor, retailer, agent and broker. Thus, the norm for buying and selling, whether the activities involve corporate selling and buying (services and products) or personal buying and selling (examples are properties, vehicles or shares), usually involve intermediate parties. Whilst intermediate parties can contribute to this buying/selling process their involvement comes at a financial cost. Since the introduction of the Internet, many portals have tried to eliminate the role of these intermediate parties to provide a better approach for business and private transactions. One typical example is to display seller's products and services information on the web. Buyer then contacts the seller through the use of e-mail. However, the disadvantage of these portals is that business associates or private buyers are not able to correspond or interact with the seller directly. There is always a time lapse when using e-mail for enquiry, negotiation or feedback. Such delay can be a day, a week or a month. By the time the seller replies, the buyer may no longer be interested or has found other alternatives.
An example where such problems arise is the online shopping mall. The online shopping mall can host thousands of products. However when surfers visit the virtual shops and make enquiries about merchandise, the answers are not provided immediately. The result is that surfers move on to the next web site and may never come back. This failure in communication is a major drawback of such Internet commerce.
Beside buying and selling behavior, there are other forms of Internet activities which suffer from communication behavior problems. For instance, in the current market the few communication tools available range from Teleconferencing, Chat Line and E-mail. But in general, these communication tools are never grouped together to form a list of easily accessible communication tools. Thus it has been found that people are always utilising one form of communication tool and are not readily able to select from a range of communication tools.
Disclosure of the invention
Conveniently, the invention may be characterised by two distinct and separate communication systems which may, if desired, be combined. The first independent aspect is designated JUST CALL ME, whilst the second independent aspect is designated as In-Agent. JUST CALL ME
In one independent form of the invention there is provided, a method of communication in a network which includes at least a central computer and a first remote computer, comprising :
(a) sending a message from the first computer to the central computer identifying a list of prioritized communication media designated by a user of the first remote computer; and
(b) storing the list of prioritized communication media in the central computer.
Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of:
(c) sending a message from a second computer to the central computer identifying the user of the first remote computer as the intended addressee for the message;
(d) in response to the receipt of the message, retrieving from the central computer the stored list of prioritized communication media designated by the first remote computer; and
(e) sending a message from the central computer to the second remote computer, the message at least including the highest priority of the prioritized communication media.
In a further independent form of the invention there is provided, a method of communication in a network which includes at least a central computer and a remote computer, comprising the steps of:
(a) sending a message from the remote computer to the central computer identifying a user of another remote computer as the intended addressee for the message;
(b) in response to the receipt of the message, retrieving from the central computer a stored list of prioritized communication media designated by the other remote computer; and
(c) sending a message from the central computer to the remote computer, the message at least including the highest priority of the prioritized communication media.
In a further independent form of the invention there is provided, a method of operating a remote computer for communication in a network comprising: (a) inputting a list of prioritized communication media designated by a user of the remote computer;
(b) storing in memory the list of prioritized communication media; and
(c) initiating a message from the remote computer to a central computer identifying the list of prioritized communication media. Preferably, the list of prioritized communication media is established by selection from a list including user contact addresses for e-mail, telephone, radio, television, satellite link, facsimile, voice mail, hard copy mail, pager, mobile phone, message services, teleconferencing, audioline, voice interactive systems, chat line, ICQ, web sites, and/or computers. In another independent form of the invention there is provided, a method of operating a remote computer for communication in a network comprising:
(a) initiating a message to a central computer identifying a user of another remote computer as the intended addressee for the message; and
(b) receiving a message from the central computer including at least the highest priority of a list of prioritized communication media designated by the other remote computer and stored in the central computer.
In another independent form of the invention there is provided, a method of operating a central computer for communication in a network comprising :
(a) receiving a message from a remote computer identifying a list of prioritized communication media designated by a user of the remote computer;
(b) storing in memory the list of prioritized communication media in the central computer;
(c) receiving a message from another remote computer identifying a user of the remote computer of the user as the intended addressee for the message;
(d) retrieving from the central computer, the stored list of prioritized communication media designated by the remote computer of the user; and
(e) initiating a message from the central computer to the other remote computer, the message at least including the highest priority of the prioritized communication media.
Preferably, the remote computer(s) communicates with the central computer over a communications network operating using a variety or mixture of protocols comprising Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCPIP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Hyper Test Transfer Protocol (HTTP), or Third Generation (3G).
In another separate form of the invention, a remote computer for communication in a network is provided comprising: (a) an input device to input a list of prioritized communication media designated by a user of the remote computer;
(b) a memory to store the list of prioritized communication media; and
(c) a message initiator to send a message from the remote computer to a central computer identifying the list of prioritized communication media.
Preferably, the remote computer further comprises at least one selection screen from which the list of prioritized communication media is established, the screen including user contact addresses for e-mail, telephone, radio, television, satellite link, facsimile, voice mail, hard copy mail, pager, mobile phone, message services, teleconferencing, audioline, voice interactive systems, chat line, ICQ, web sites and/or computers.
In another independent form of the invention, a remote computer for communication in a network is provided comprising:
(a) a message initiator to send a message to a central computer identifying a user of another remote computer as the intended addressee for the message; and (b) a message receiver to receive at least the highest priority of a list of prioritized communication media designated by the other remote computer and stored in the central computer.
In another independent form of the invention, a central computer for communication in a network is provided comprising: (a) a message receiver to receive a message from a remote computer identifying a list of prioritized communication media designated by a user of the remote computer;
(b) a memory to store the list of prioritized communication media in the central computer;
(c) the message receiver further adapted to receive a message from another remote computer identifying a user of the remote computer of the user as the intended addressee for the message;
(d) a data retriever to retrieve from the central computer, the stored list of prioritized communication media designated by the remote computer of the user; and
(e) a message initiator to send a message from the central computer to the other remote computer, the message at least including the highest priority of the prioritized communication media. BUSINESS IN-AGENT In a separate and distinct aspect of the invention there is provided, a method of communication in a network which includes at least a central computer and a first remote computer, comprising:
(a) sending a message from the first remote computer to the central computer engaging the central computer as a broker/host for a potential business transaction relating to predetermined property, goods and/or services to be offered by the user of the first computer;
(b) displaying on the central computer, the availability of the property, goods and/or services;
(c) permitting access to the display by other computers;
(d) receiving and storing in the memory of the central computer, communications between one or more of the users of the other computers and the central computer relating to the property, goods and/or services; and
(e) transmitting the communications to the first remote computer; wherein all communications between the other computers and the central computer relating to the property, goods and/or services are accessible by the user of the first remote computer. Typically, the availability of the property, goods and/or services includes information relating to the price, description, image, inspection and/or supply of the property, goods and/or services.
Preferably, the communications include the central computer responding with additional availability information relating to the property, goods and/or services.
Preferably, the communications include the central computer negotiating the purchase and/or hire of the property, goods and/or services according to predetermined directions from the user of the first remote computer.
Preferably, the communications include the central computer receiving a purchase and/or a hire order including some or all purchase monies relating to a purchase or hire of the property, goods and/or services. Preferably, the communications include bids for the purchase or hire of the property, goods and/or services.
In a further preferred form of the invention, the communications include the central computer issuing confirmation notification of the purchase and/or hire of the property, goods and/or services. Preferably, the method further comprises: (f) sending a message from the first computer to the central computer identifying a list of prioritized comm iication media designated by a user of the first remote computer; and
(g) storing the list of prioritized communication media in the central computer.
Typically, the list of prioritized communication media is established by selection from a list including user contact addresses for e-mail, telephone, radio, television, satellite link, facsimile, voice mail, hard copy mail, pager, mobile phone, message services, teleconferencing, audioline, voice interactive systems, chat line, ICQ, web sites, and/or computers.
Preferably, the method further comprises: (h) in response to a communication by one or more of the users of the other computers relating to the property, goods and/or services, retrieving from the central computer the stored list of prioritized communication media designated by the first remote computer; and
(i) sending a response message from the central computer to the communication, the response message at least including the highest priority of the prioritized communication media. In another independent form of the invention there is provided, a central computer for communication in a network comprising:
(a) a message receiver to receive a message from a first remote computer to the central computer engaging the central computer as a broker/host for a potential business transaction relating to predetermined property, goods and/or services to be offered by the user of the first computer;
(b) a display on the central computer accessible by other computers, to display the availability of the property, goods and/or services;
(c) a receiver to receive in the central computer, communications between one or more of the users of the other computers and the central computer relating to the property, goods and/or services; d) a memory to store the communications between one or more of the users of the other computers and the central computer relating to the property, goods and/or services;
(e) a message initiator to communicate with the first remote computer and the other computers; wherein all communications between the other computers and the central computer relative to the property, goods and/or services are accessible by the user of the first remote computer.
Preferably, the availability of the property, goods and/or services includes information relating to the price, description, image, inspection and/or supply of the property, goods and/or services. Preferably, the central computer is further characterized by:
(a) the message receiver being adapted to receive a message from the remote computer identifying a list of prioritized communication media designated by the user of the remote computer;
(b) the memory being adapted to store the list of prioritized communication media in the central computer;
(c) a data retriever to retrieve from the central computer, the stored list of prioritized communication media designated by the remote computer; and
(e) the message initiator being adapted to send a message from the central computer to one or more of the other computers, the message at least including the highest priority of the prioritized communication media.
Typically, as before, the list of prioritized communication media is established by selection from a list including user contact addresses for e-mail, telephone, radio, television, satellite link, facsimile, voice mail, hard copy mail, pager, mobile phone, message services, teleconferencing, audioline, voice interactive systems, chat line, ICQ, web sites, and/or computers. SOCIAL IN-AGENT
In a third independent aspect of the invention there is provided a computer based communications system for human interaction comprising:
(a) a file of a first user including information characterising interests of the first user;
(b) a file of a second user including information characterising interests of the second user; (c) a comparitor for comparing the files and identifying common information interest characteristics of the first user and second user in response to a search query invoked by the first or second user;
(d) a display for displaying to the users, results of the query of the inquirer; and (e) an interaction screen system to facilitate interaction between the first user and the second user, the screens including a menu screen presenting at least three options to each user relating to such interaction, the at least three options displayed on separate screens being:
(i) a first screen having predetermined questions to permit the user to input details about the user's personal characteristics, optionally as a result of a request to input data by the other user;
(iii) a second screen permitting sharing between the first user and the second user of the information inputted into the first screen ;
(iv) a third evaluation screen permitting the evaluation of the input details, which is optionally shared with the other user.
Preferably, the interaction evaluation system is not adapted to share information between a first user and the second user unless both users agree to do so.
Preferably, the information characterizing interests include hobbies, sport and/or other recreational interests of a user. Preferably the predetermined questions in the first screen include a love test, emotion test, honesty test, courage test, a loyalty test and/or a trustworthy test.
Preferably the third evaluation screen displays a calculation of a rating(s) based upon the inputted date into the first screen.
This system may be used in conjunction with JUST CALL ME and/or BUSINESS IN-AGENT
Detailed Description of the Invention JUST CALL ME
The key feature of JUST CALL ME is to establish a list of prioritized communication media in the central computer which is the preferred form of communication by a user of system who is inviting communication with him or her by others. Obviously, the communication tools at any given time are those available in the market. With JUST CALL ME established in strategic locations in the portal, Internet surfers can contact a desired second user/person through the use of any of the many different types of communication tools available on the market. The communication enabling addresses is structured in an order of priority. They may be structured so that access to the communication enabling addresses by the first user may be controlled. Second users (communication receivers) may have a facility to enable them to create the order of priority they want on their web site on the portal. They may also have a facility to control access of first users to the communication enabling addresses In one possible application, the second users contact details may remain confidential while utilizing JUST CALL ME, so that the caller will not know the receiver's contact number from the Internet directly. This enhances privacy, which is a major concern relating to the operation of many portals in the Internet world. This does not rule out the possibility of disclosing the second user's contact information if the second user agrees. To illustrate a simple scenario involving operation of JUST CALL ME, a first user is able to access some basic information of second users who are people registered in the portal. These people are members of the portal and have registered certain interest in the activities available in the portal.
After surfing the portal's content, the first user decides to contact a particular member who we designate as a receiver. Upon clicking the JUST CALL ME icon, a page will display all available communication tools this 'receiver' has. The first user can select randomly from the available communication tools or alternatively refer to a priority list of communication enabling address modes, which display the receiver's preferred contact choice in descending order. The priority list serves to inform the first user which communication tools are more reliable in contacting the 'receiver'.
To elaborate, a particular 'receiver' owns a pager, mobile phone and e-mail. Though he carries both his pager and mobile phone at all times; he mainly uses the mobile phone only when his pager is activated. In short the 'receiver' only uses his mobile phone when someone pages him. This receiver's priority list therefore lists his pager as 1st priority, e-mail as 2nd priority and mobile phone as 3rd priority.
Another feature of JUST CALL ME which can be incorporated is an "Automatic Dialer'. In the same scenario, in the event the first user fails to contact the 'receiver' on a particular selected communication tool, the first user can use the 'Automatic Dialer' in JUST CALL ME. Based on the priority list the system automatically proceeds to dial to the next most highly prioritised communication enabling address mode until the system is able to make contact with the 'receiver' and accomplish communication. JUST CALL ME encompasses Normal or Short Message Service (SMS) Paging, Direct Email, Tradition Telephone, Audioline Service, Mobile Telephone, Voice Interactive System, Chat Line, ICQ, Teleconferencing and any other suitable modes of communication
With JUST CALL ME, the first user can actually make use of, say, a mobile phone to inform the receiver to go to another communication tool such as the Chat Line or to attend to Teleconferencing at a certain time of day. The system may also be designed to inform a group of receivers at a click of an icon to contact a range of receivers the first user desires to contact.
The JUST CALL ME can be used to provide access to a range of activities from commercial to social events. It can be used to play the role of agents, brokers and intermediate parties of the future. It can be used to make enquiries, negotiation, sale confirmation and conduct consultations with the relevant professionals such as solicitors, bankers and insurance agents.
BUSINESS IN-A GENT
The key feature of IN-AGENT is providing transparency between the Agent and the Principal when conducting business in this communication network. All interactions between a third party and the Agent is accessible by the Principal. As such the system is a tool to help eliminate potential distrust between the Agent and Principal.
The key feature of the JUST CALL ME is to establish a list of prioritized communication media in the central computer which is the preferred form of communication by a user of system who is inviting communication with him or her by others.
The BUSINESS IN-AGENT may be used separately or in combination with JUST CALL ME. The following are specific examples of potential applications of these features.
Enquiry
An 'Enquiry' task may be used to handle all enquiries that surround all imaginable activities. A user may make enquiry in an unrestricted range of portals such as the Home Net, Vehicle Net, Shopping Paradise or Auction House as well as widening one's circle of acquaintance in the Friendship Net. These portals are described in detail below. As the system permits the preferred means of communication to be specified, a more harmonious dialogue is likely to be established.
Negotiation
A 'Negotiation' task may be used to help activities that need a certain level of discretion and to avoid conflict during negotiation. The main role in 'Negotiation' is to allow buyers and sellers to negotiate business or private deals in a harmonious way.
Sale Confirmation
A 'Sale Confirmation' task may be used to close a business or private transaction. In 'Sale Confirmation', buyers and sellers make some basic commitment to each business or private deal by allowing the portal to be the main center for confirmation. As an example, in Vehicle Net, the buyer/first user will place a sum of deposit when he or she agrees to the selling price of a vehicle. Here, the portal holds the said sum and reimburses the said amount when the sale of the vehicle is completed. Of course, in any deal buyers and sellers can always decide to communicate and negotiate among themselves directly once contact has been made. Professional Advice
A 'Professional Advice' task may be used to give some advice to first users who are enrolled as members on the various activities in portal hosts. The portal may be used to provide a list of solicitors so that members are able to go through the list, select the right adviser and make a call to him or her to seek legal advice via the JUST CALL ME facility. Match-n-Mix
A 'Match-n Mix' task may be used to allow members to post their buying needs and selling conditions on the Internet. For example, potential buyers surf through the portal but cannot find the items they want to buy. Here the portal allows them to post their 'wanted product' according to defined categories and sends out this message to different sources. Thus the portal has created a two-way traffic in this scenario.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a flow chart showing a one form of operation of the invention; Figure 2 is a flow chart of a general business operation according to the invention; Figure 3 is a flow chart showing a further form of operation of the invention; Figure 4 is a flow chart showing a further form of operation of the invention; and
Figure 5 is a flow chart of a further form of operation of the invention.
Figure 6 is a home page of the Social In- Agent System;
Figure 7 is a My Opinion screen of the Social In- Agent System; Figure 8 is a Sharing screen of the Social In- Agent System;
Figure 9 is an Ice-breaker screen of the Social In- Agent System;
Figure 10.1 is John's Login Page of the Social In- Agent System:
Figure 10.2 is a Julia's Login Page of the Social In-Agent System;
Figure 11 is John's Love Test Results of the Social In-Agent System; and Figure 12 is an Update Sharing screen of the Social In-Agent System.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
Where JUST CALL ME is used as part of an In-Agent portal the flow chart shown in Figure 1 can be used as a guide for proceeding. To elaborate, during a property purchase, a buyer can use the "In-Agent' under 'Enquiry' to make contact with the property owner. For enquiry purposes, the property owner will activate the 'JUST CALL ME so that buyers can contact him. The communication tools for 'JUST CALL ME' include pager, e-mail and fax. If the property owner prefers not to reveal his mobile phone number as he is worried about nuisance calls, he can deny access to the number until he is satisfied that a potential buyer is genuine.
For Sellers - Outline of Procedures and Possibilities • Submission of their product information and necessary photo or videos;
• Decide whether to sell in the open market or participate in auctions or tender;
• Alternatively, the seller can register their 'selling interest' with the portal and indicate their conditions for selling. Following that, the product is registered in a database accessible via the portal, which means that the product will be available for the 'Match-n-Mix' operation. • The portal owners will then design and display these products on the relevant activity in the portal if these products are to be sold in the open market or participate in auctions or tenders;
• Sellers only need to wait for calls from buyers through the portal or from the portal owners. • If after a specific period, the response is poor, sellers may decide to deactivate the selling, and, opt for a 'Match-n-Mix' operation. When the portal owners receive a buyer's request, they will forward this request to sellers.
For Buyers - Outline of Procedures and Possibilities Buyers can purchase or reserve products or services in various ways, "Buy using In-Agents', 'To bid' and 'To reserve'.
'Buy Direct'
To buy direct from the sellers, buyers can contact sellers directly using 'JUST CALL ME' features. 'Buy using In-Agents'
• This involves the 'In- Agent'. As described earlier, for business transactions 'In- Agent' can come in five forms namely 'Enquiry', 'Negotiation', 'Professional Advice', Sales Confirmation' and 'Match-n-Mix'. The first four types of 'In- Agent' represent various activities in a typical buying process. • Through 'Enquiry' In-Agent, buyers can arrange physical viewing of products. For example, for vehicles, the portal owners or their agents assist in arranging for a test drive, for properties, they may assist in house visits and viewing.
• With reference to Figure 2, there is a software layer sandwich between Tn-Agents' and 'Just Call Me'. For example, one such software tool, is the 'Property Negotiator', which is designed to assist members in 'negotiation'. Thus, when the buyer uses 'In- Agent' for negotiation, they will be prompted to provide 'proposed price' or if necessary the name of a 'legal party' to assist in negotiation.
• When necessary, buyers may contact professional advisers through the portal to seek advice on buying matters. • By using 'Sale Confirmation', the portal owners can assist in payment collection, and necessary document processing. Another role of the portal owners is to assist as witnesses or provide evidence when closing a deal.
• The portal can help to search the products required by the buyers, or search for potential buyers for sellers within their database, and other additional sources. A note will be forwarded to sellers and buyers when the portal concludes a match. 'To Bid' and 'To Reserve'
Buyers may follow a bidding and auction procedure to participate in an auction. The portal may provide auction processing in the following areas
• Consolidation and moderation of bidding;
• Coordinating the bidding process;
• Organising and processing sales documents
• Acting as a witness providing of evidence and checking of auction items.
For on-line reservation, the portal can act on behalf of merchants (e.g. pub or restaurants owners) on payment collections, and to forward them an on-line reservation list.
Implementation of 'iwantthese.com' Portal (Figure 3)
This portal may cater the site to all walks of people, be they businessmen, executives, construction workers, tertiary students or entertainment groups. The concept and design of the portal may generally work towards the Maslow' Hierarchy a theory which addresses various human needs from Survival to Self- Actualization.
By allowing and encouraging people to furnish information about themselves (both personal and business), the portal is able to create a 'People Network'. Members join the portal not for the sake of activities but for the people in its portal. To accomplish this task, the portal may offer three web pages for all its members, being the Personal Web Page, Professional Web Page and the Nickname Web Page. To attract members' participation, the portal may provide a wide range of web page designs and layouts. It could provide an opportunity for members to show what they are good at. To show off each individual skill or talent, members can fulfill his or her wish in 'Free Expression Corner'. The portal may differentiate web activities into those of a business nature and those of a social nature. For business activities, the portal can easily segment. Some possible segments include Enquiry, Negotiation, Sales Confirmation, Professional Advice and 'Match-n-Mix. For social activities, segments can be Tee Breaker', 'Sharing' and 'My Opinion'. Upon identifying the various segments, the portal is grouped under the 'In- Agent' that functions differently on different activities. As mentioned, 'In- Agent' will work together with the communication tools in 'JUST CALL ME'.
The above-mentioned paragraphs generally illustrate how the inventions can be used to conduct each activity based on the portal's architectural structure. At any time, the inventions can allow full integration among activities so users can share common knowledge and information.
In another example a user of the 'Friendship Net' can surf the portal and make purchases from the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' while at the same time sending an e-mail attaching some product information to his friends back in the 'Friendship Net'. The user can also put up his property for sale and look for a new property in the 'Home Net'. Once he has sold his property and bought a new home, he can subsequently sell his used furniture in the 'Auction House'. He can then proceed to the 'Global On-line Shopping Paradise' to make purchases of merchandise for his new home. To make an announcement of his new found home, he is able to post his new property's photographs or video on the 'Friendship Net' to friends and relatives who are made aware of where to locate or contact him. After selling his property he can surf the 'Vehicle Net' to buy his dream car at his budget.
For all activities hosted in the portal containing 'JUST CALL ME' the portal may have one screen design or template or each activity. A user can select products or services and add into those screens. For example in 'Home Net' a 'Home Screen' can be provided for the member to add when he or she likes a particular property and decides to get more information on that particular property. In 'Vehicle Net' a 'Vehicle Screen' can be assigned to help members to shop and select his or her ideal vehicles for follow-up actions.
With the help of these in-house screens, the portal system may be able to track individual user's surfing behaviour and highlight the activities these users have gone through. For example, if a user visited the Online Shopping Paradise' and selected merchandise ID 123 into the 'Shopping Cart', he or she might subsequently decide not to make any purchase and empty the item. On the database associated with the portal it is possible to capture this information and display this same information in the user's 'Weekly Activities Tracker' so that the user is aware of what he or she had done during his or her last visit to the portal.
To facilitate payment online, the portal can provide a range of different payment methods. These payment methods comprise Online Visa Payment, Cash Card Payment, Cyberdebit Payment, Cheque Payment and Cash On Delivery Payment.
Web Activities' in 'iwantthese.com' Portal Member Registration
Anyone taking part in this Portal preferably needs to register with the portal owner or supplier. The portal may allow surfers to log in under three icons namely 'Members', 'New Members' and 'Visitors'. Visitors may be allowed to browse or roam through the web site freely and feel the dynamics of its content. Once they feel comfortable and decide to take part in the activities available, they may sign up as 'New Members'. To sign up as 'New Members' they may need to provide basic background information so as to reduce fraud.
Members can be categorized into 'Ordinary Members' and 'Corporate Members'. The purpose of these two groups is to subsequently expand from B2C to B2B. The portal may be associated with a 'Commerce Net' for this purpose.
Personalize Web Activities
For 'ordinary members', once they have successfully registered in the portal they may be able to personalize their web activities. These web activities include two 'Password Protected' web pages being a Personal web page and Professional Web Page. For a personal page, the member can present selective information such as address, family information, photographs, video clips of any event on the web. Only official information is presented here. For members who want to highlight their career or profession, they may make use of a 'Professional Web Page'. The content on these pages may be limited to information of the member concerning his or her profession such as law, medicine, property services etc. In addition, all members taking part in the 'Friendship Net' may be entitled to a 'Nickname Web Page' in addition to the 'Personal Web Page' and 'Professional Web Page', to spin off his or her social circle from here. Information provided for 'Nickname Web Page' may include member's nickname, sex, age, favorite sport, food, birthday wishes, ambition, dream, talent, present job or profession. Of course it is most important for the member to enable the 'JUST CALL ME' features so that other members can make contact or use the members services.
Personal Web Page
The portal may provide a sample of the Personal Web Page for reference. During Personal Web
Page's creation, the system may be able to automatically retrieve official information from the registration site to allow members to be selective in displaying information on the web site, such as address, family information, photographs, video clips of any event. Here the member will be encouraged to use the 'JUST CALL ME' features by selecting the various modes of contact, such as telephone, SMS page, email, mobile phone, chat line and teleconferencing. The objective is to allow the member to be contacted by anyone that surfs the web site whilst leaving control in the member's hand. Once members feel that surfers have intruded into their privacy, they may be able to disable all form of communication or change their contact numbers. For further enhancement, the system may allow members to add their favorite web sites under the icon 'Categorize Favorites' which enables direct links from the portal to other interesting web sites.
Nickname Web Page
A Nickname Web Page allows more room and fun for members to socialize. Here the member can create a nickname, provide information to surfers who want to know more about the member. The form of communication can also be selective. Editing and amending contact numbers may also be possible. Professional Web Page
The content on this page is preferably professional information concerning the member. There may be scope for members to freely illustration and elaborate on their expertise, track records and cases they handle.
Online Bookmark To enhance further a member's web pages, the system may provide a grouping facility so that members, after surfing their popular web sites are able to bookmark these favorite web sites, in category forms.
Friendship Net
Overview A 'Friendship Net' function may be provided to allow a member to have a personal web page to post up official information with photographs such as childhood photos, family photos, overseas trip's photos and even wedding photos.
The 'Friendship Net' could also enable members to make announcements, such as holiday trips and overseas study so that friends can keep in touch. These activities can be self-posting on the web so that members can make amendments or insertions of information on their personal web page in the portal. This feature could be 'password' protected. To allow new friends to contact members, 'Friendship Net' can be enabled to alert members to attend to the In-house chat line. In this way, members can keep confidentiality of their address, contact numbers and identity before deciding what information they wish to reveal to their new friends. Members can also create their own interest groups and organize their own outdoor or indoor activities. The 'Friendship Net' may comprise a simple search engine for all members joining this site. Members can list their hobbies, outdoor activities, sports, type of new friends they prefer such as overseas/local, race, age or gender. In addition, members may even provide a list of what to expect for birthdays or house warmings. With this data in the search engine, members should be readily able to search for their ideal new friends. Another aspect of 'Friendship Net' could involve enabling members to host live events such as wedding occasions and birthday parties. This can be done through the installation of an Internet video camera. Members can also post a short 'video clip' of an event they want their friends to view or a short speech on the net.
Socializing A member explores the 'Friendship Net' and views each individual's information available on the web site. To search for a new friend, the member clicks on the 'Looking For New Friends?' icon to select and search the type of new friend they want. Here, the system provides a simple search engine to select a list of new friends in the 'Friendship Screen'. The member can visit the nickname page or personal web page of these new friends and get more information about them. When the member decides upon the right candidate to contact, he can use 'JUST CALL ME' to communicate. Alternatively, the member can direct his new friends to utilize 'JUST CALL ME' to page, to call on his mobile phone or to go to the chat line in 'Join Chat Line' for establishing contact.
Initially members might not feel secure in revealing phone numbers, pager numbers or even e- mail addresses. Therefore, for the time being, both parties can contact each other using their nickname with 'JUST CALL ME' features.
After some socializing, the member may get to know a few new friends and may decide to set up a group. Here the system allows them to form a group preferably with a minimum of 5 members. The benefit of having a group is group members are able to use 'JUST CALL ME' features to communicate with all members for organizing, communication and activities. Another special feature, 'Group Contact' may be provided to enable members to contact a group of friends by the click of an icon. A 'Heart-to-Heart Chat' feature may be provided to allow a member to receive any anonymous e-mail from anyone, on a sensitive subject. An anonymous person can send a confidential message to this member and can still expect a reply, without revealing the caller's identity. The objective of having this feature is to let more people come forward to seek advice and help and bearing in mind the system may have a list of social workers these people can turn to.
Free Expression Corner
A 'Free Expression Corner' may be designed to give members an opportunity to express freely what they want the world to know. When the portal members submit their works, be it in a form of recorded sound, a poem, computer graphics, a video clip, an article, the system may process, categorize them, and display them on the web. Web visitors can visit their works in various sections, such as singing, movie, painting, poems, literature or special skill etc. After viewing their works, the visitor may be provided with a facility to rate their works accordingly. Visitors can also contact the originator through the use of 'JUST CALL ME'.
Home Net Overview
The system may include a 'Home Net' facility to allow all owners to register their property on the network. Besides exposing the property in photographs, video clips and other information, the system can play a role of coordination in the sale of the property. With these listing services, sellers and buyers will use it to assist in property sales coordination. This aspect of the system is termed 'Property Negotiator'.
Registration of Properties
The system may allow sellers of properties to post their property's information on the web site for sale. Sellers may supply information to the web site that incorporates the information by e- mail to the overall system including the database upon 'Property for Sale'. A property ID can be generated to tag on that specified property.
Property owners can also send their property's photographs or video clips so the system owners can post it on to the web site. Alternatively the system allows them to post their property's photographs on their property's page, on the net, or send information by post to system owners' office. On registration, property owners can specify whether they want to take part in the property tender or opening listing. In-Agents in 'Home Net' Enquiry
Interested buyers after selecting a list of properties into the 'Home Screen' can start to make telephone calls for more detail information or arrange for viewing by using the 'JUST CALL ME' feature. All buyers' identities can be registered in the Database.
Negotiation with 'Property Negotiator' Property Negotiator - Property Negotiation
To take advantage of these special features, all property owners are advised to register on the system regardless of whether the owner sells the property on the open market or through an exclusive agent. The objective is to ensure 100% transparency during property negotiation and to ensure the owner of the property knows of all offers made by potential buyers. After enquiries and house viewing, the owner of each property may generate a pool of interested buyers. For convenience of the owners and to keep confidentiality of telephone numbers or contact numbers, buyers can log on to the Internet and contact owners by using the 'JUST CALL ME' feature. Buyers can even prompt an owner to go to the Chat line to go into another form of negotiation environment. Sales Confirmation
The property owner may require all buyers to send a confirmation message in 'Sale Confirmation' in order to secure the sale. This should eliminate all insincere buyers and close sales with genuine buyers only and may in turn reduce the possibility of price speculation. To effect this confirmation message, buyer can make an offer through the "Sale Confirmation" by providing his solicitor or lawyer's name and company with an offer price of the intended property. The system or system owners can act as the coordinator by helping buyer to highlight the offer price to the owner in accepting the letter of offer issued by the buyer's lawyer.
Alternatively, property buyers and sellers can authorize the system owners to hold any deposit payable to property owner. This deposit may come with a Letter of Offer. Upon signing of the Sale and Purchase Agreement, the system or system owners will forward the deposit to the property owner.
Professional Advice
The system can provide a list of solicitors for members. After viewing and negotiation of the price of a property, a member can click on to the 'Professional Advice' to select from the list of solicitors and call them online to seek legal advice and subsequently use their services.
Match-n-Mix
In the open market, a buyer can choose to deal with each owner and close the deal himself or herself or, alternatively, authorizing one of the systems' lawyers to act on his or her behalf. In the whole process of property transaction, the system can refer all its property finance and insurance companies to its members for easy property loan or property insurance coverage to facilitate the completion of sale.
In the event that potential property buyers fail to select any property from the Home Net, they can always register their interest by providing their dream home's details on the system. Upon registering, it may provide a match-and-mix and inform the member subsequently if there is a right match in home information.
Similarly, if the property owner does not want to publicly advertise an interest to sell a property in the open market or does not want to expose the property in the market over a long period, the owner may use the 'Match-n-Mix' services. Property Tender
The system may include a 'Home Tender' facility which can be set on a closing date for the property to go for tender facility which can be following a set viewing period. Interested buyers may make arrangements to view the property before the tender date by using the 'JUST CALL ME' features to contact owner/agents. Up to the tender date, interested buyers can either contact the agency that conducts the tender or make an offer tlirough the system by going to "Home Tender" and providing their solicitor's information. The system can follow up from this point. Vehicle Net
Overview
The main objectives of being able to have a Vehicle Net facility are to help car dealers and car owners advertise their vehicles on the web, and, to assist buyers and sellers of vehicles in gathering information pertaining to every vehicle available in the market. To achieve these goals, the virtual vehicle mart may be equipped with a range of net facilities, such as video showroom, photo gallery and matching capability for car seekers.
In addition to acting as a Vehicle Information Center, the system may also participate in arranging viewing of vehicles for auction, arrangement of finance and insurance and in the pipeline, import and export of vehicles.
Registration of Vehicles
The system may allow sellers of vehicles to post their vehicle's information on a web site for sale. Members will fill up information on the web site and this information may be submitted via e-mail to the system. Upon receipt of e-mail, the system may import this information onto the database under 'For Sale'. A vehicle ID can be generated to tag that vehicle.
Vehicle owners can send their vehicle's photographs or video clips so that it can be posted on the web site. Alternatively, it may be possible for owners to post their vehicle's photographs on their vehicle's page, on the net, or send information by post to the system's office. On registration, vehicle owners may specify whether they want to take part in a vehicle auction or an opening listing.
In-Agents in 'Vehicle Net'
Enquiry
After surfing the vehicle's information database via the web site, an interested buyer can pick and choose his selected vehicles into the 'vehicle xxxx. He can then proceed to the 'Enquiry' icon to malce his telephone calls to the respective vehicle owner for more detailed information or arrange for physical viewing and test-drive by using the 'JUST CALL ME' feature. All buyers' identities can be registered in the Database.
For vehicle test-drive, the system/owners can advise car owners to let interested buyers sign a letter of indemnity so that an owner's vehicle is protected. The system/owners can play the role of witness for a test-drive and charge a fee.
Negotiation After all enquiries and vehicle test-drives are concluded the vehicle owners will have generated a pool of interested buyers. To keep confidentiality of telephone numbers or contact numbers, interested buyers can log on to the Internet and contact owners by using the 'JUST CALL ME' features. Buyers can even prompt an owner to go to Chat Line, another form of negotiation environment.
Sales Confirmation
Once the seller and buyer make the necessary negotiation and vehicle test-drive, the system can help them to close the deal by confirming the sale. To encourage buyers to malce a genuine offer, the system can include 'Sale Confirmation' to allow buyers to malce a firm offer and for the seller to seriously consider the offer.
In the open market the buyer can choose to deal with each vehicle owner and close the deal personally or, alternatively, use the system to handle the deposit . Upon signing the Sale and Purchase agreement or transfer of ownership, the system can be prompted to deliver the deposit to the owner. Professional Advice
For vehicle net, the system may have a list of vehicle dealers to help members. After surfing the vehicle net for vehicle information, members can seek advice from listed dealers on matters such as compatible prices of types of vehicles and transfer of ownership procedures.
Match-n-Mix In the even potential buyers fail to select any vehicle from the Vehicle Net, they can always register their interest by providing their dream vehicle's details with the system. Upon registering, the system can provide a match-and-mix and inform the registered member subsequently if there is a right match in vehicle's information that suits his requirement.
Similarly, the system allows vehicle owners to use the Match-n-Mix facility if the vehicle owner does not want to advertise publicly. In this case, the system informs the seller of any suitable buyers that come by.
Of course, in order to encourage interaction among buyers and sellers, the system will provide prospective buyers with basic vehicle information. The involved parties can then contact each other by the 'JUST CALL ME' features to follow up. Vehicle Auction Net For auction vehicles, interested buyers may refer to the base price established by the seller and start bidding through the Internet or telephone. However, to secure each bid, the interested buyer may have to make a deposit,
Vehicle Finance and Insurance In the whole process of vehicle transaction, the system may refer all its vehicle finance or insurance companies to its members for easy vehicle loan or vehicle insurance coverage to facilitate the completion of sale. A click to the 'Finance & Insurance' may allow members to get a list of finance and insurance companies nominating a contact person. The contact would be provided at a click of the 'JUST CALL ME' icon. Global Online Shopping Paradise
Overview
The system's Online Shopping Paradise may be set up to facilitate buying, selling and reservations on-line. This may be used to bring retail shops and shopping malls globally on the net, and provide a single point shopping experience for consumers. Registration of Merchant's Product
Merchants may be registered as 'corporate members' and entitled to a merchant web page with a display of products. In addition, they will also be allowed to use the 'Merchant Management Tool'. The product description may consist of photographs and words. Operation hours and delivery mode may be stated to help surfers in confirming the purchase. Operation of Global On-line Shopping Paradise
Operation of the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' can be best shown by Figure 5. As
shown in Figure 5, it can operate as follows:
A consumer accesses the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise'. If the consumer likes a product, but has questions, he/she can then click on a 'contact's icon'. The 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' would then connect the consumer with retailers via 'JUST CALL ME'. The consumer can make enquiries and negotiate prices at this point of time. Upon confirmation of purchase, the consumer may malce payment via cash card or credit card, or opt for the 'order and pay later' method. The 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' may execute the transaction automatically, and e-mail or fax the confirmation order to the retailer. If necessary, it may be followed by a telephone call to the retailer to confirm the delivery date and time. If the merchandise is meant for a gift/present, the consumer may request that the merchandise be wrapped as a gift with greeting card attached. Upon delivery, the deliveryman may witness the status of the merchandise with the consumer, sign the relevant documents, and collect the payment at the same time.
Web Design The 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' may be integrated with other associated webs of the 'iwantthese.com' portal. The lobby of the 'iwantthese.com' portal may be the starting point for the web surfer to shop, search for information, buy and sell cars or houses, socialize among members, sell personal items, participate in auctions and more.
After check-in, a shopping cart will be assigned to the shopper. The shopper can add or remove merchandise to or from this shopping cart. If necessary, he or she can view the shopping cart contents or empty the shopping cart. When the shopper first enters the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise', by default, he/she will go direct to his or her origin country for shopping. For example, if the shopper is from Singapore, the system may display the message "You are shopping in Singapore!". This message can be made to reflect the exact shopping location. For instance, if the shopper decides to shop in a medical shop in Malaysia, the message will change to "You are shopping in XX medical shop of Malaysia!".
The 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' may be integrated with other associated webs of the 'iwantthese.com' portal. The lobby of the 'iwantthese.com' portal may be the starting point for the web surfer to shop, search for information, buy and sell cars or houses, socialize among members, sell personal items, participate in auctions and more. On first checking in to the 'Global On-line Shopping Paradise', the 'Global On-line Shopping Paradise' may display the following hyperlinks, which correspond to the following shop categories in a country.
Arts & Media Automotive Antiques, Books Audio, Repair
Electronics Computers
Appliances, Audio/Video Hardware, Software Fashion Entertainment & Leisure
Clothing, Jewelry Music, Videos, Hobbies
Gifts & Specialty Food & Drink
Gift Baskets, Tobacco Restaurants, Sweets
Personal Care Home & Family
Fitness, Health & Beauty Furniture, Kids, Pets
Toys & Games Sports o& Outdoor Dolls, Stuffed Animals Equipment, Camping
In addition, the shopper may also be able to access the following menus: a) Product Search Engine b) New Product Introduction c) Promotion Corner d) Reservation On-line e) Retailer Corner f) Direct Manufacturer Sales Channel g) Members Corner h) Forums
This new menu aims to cater for various types of shopper behavior. For example 'window shoppers', do not know what they want but will malce a purchase if they see something interesting. Another common group of shoppers is 'objective shoppers' who already know exactly which item they would like to buy. A third group of shoppers, designated 'cheap items shopper', usually look for cheaper or sales items. A fourth group of shoppers, termed 'impulsive shoppers', often decide their purchase based on impulse. The 'window shoppers' can click on a specific category, and the hyperlink will connect them to a list of shops belonging to that category. Upon entering a virtual shop, the shopper will see the 'shop front' in the form of photographs and text description. The 'shop front' lists the shop address, contact number, operation hours and business focus. The 'shop front' page also has various icons such as 'Contact' icon, 'Hot Chili Deals' icon and 'Product List' icon that display a list of products in the shop. On top of that, there is a 'Shop Product Search Engine' for the shopper to search for items in the shop.
For 'objective shopper', the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' provides different types of search engines to assist this group of shoppers to seek their ideal merchandise. By clicking on the 'Product Search Engine', the shopper can access the following searching facilities:
• Global Search: for searching products in the world.
• Local Search: for searching products in a country.
• Shop Search: for searching products in a shop.
The 'Promotion Corner', on the other hand is designed to help 'cheap items shopper' shop foi¬ promotion merchandise. The 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' can consolidate all promotion items from the retailers and displays them in the 'Promotion Corner'. Likewise, the 'Global online Shopping Paradise' can invite retailers to demonstrate their new products in the 'New Product Corner'. Shoppers can view photographs slide shows or video as well as information related to the product. As shoppers may change their shopping behavior during shopping, the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' should allow shoppers to access to any of the above facilities at any point in time.
When the shoppers find the merchandise they want, they can add the item to the 'Shopping Cart'. The 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise', can further provide an 'On-line Currency Conversion Utility' so that shoppers from different countries are able to calculate the selling price of the merchandise in their home currency. Furthermore, when adding the item in the shopping cart, the shopper can select the type of payment and delivery method.
'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' can provide many product guidelines such as photo display, video, direct on-line enquiry through IRC, shopper comments, to help shoppers in deciding whether they should purchase the merchandise. 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise' can also support 'reservation on-line' for e-restaurants. For e-restaurants, consumers can order from the on-line food menu, make on-line payment and confirm schedule time for lunch or dinner. The e-restaurants will then prepare the food in advance (according to the on-line food menu), reserve the table with prepared food at the confirmed time. Consumers no longer need to queue or wait upon arrival at the restaurants.
Retailers can access various options to help them manage their business. One useful tool is the 'On-line Inventory Management System'. This system maintains inventory records of all merchandise selling in the 'Global on-line Shopping Paradise'. For instance, with this tool, retailers can edit or change the inventory quantity on the Internet. To help retailers seeking products from manufacturers, retailers can advertise in the 'Wanted Products' icon or visit the 'Manufacturers Corner' icon. The 'Manufacturers Corner' icon allows manufacturers to advertise their products in detail. This creates a supply chain for the retailers with the opportunity of securing more competitive prices for products in the market. Presently, shoppers are not able to purchase merchandise directly from manufacturers due to high costs associated with single order deliveries. However, in the long run, with the support of product delivery companies it should be possible to achieve the 'manufacturer direct to consumer' channel. Ultimately with the increase in shipments of single products the delivery company is able to increase its volume leading to a reduction in shipping costs.
Match-n-Mix
In the event consumers fail to buy any shopping items listed on the shopping mall, they can always register their interest in certain products by providing the product's description and price point. Upon registering the System will provide a 'match-and-mix' and informs that registered member subsequently if there is a correct match.
Similarly, for merchants who failed to sell goods at Auction House or open market and decide not to display their merchandises on the web site, they can use the Systems 'Match-n'Mix' service. In this case, the System will help these merchants to monitor their sales enquiries. In the event anyone makes a general enquiry, the System will forward related information to the potential buyer and buyers can use the 'JUST CALL ME' features to communicate with the merchants.
Auction House Overview
The activities of the Auction House range from auction of used vehicles to general items such as retail or wholesale merchandise and second hand items. Participation in Bidding
Seller may need to place a refundable deposit (say 20% of the product value), with the Systems Auction House. This is to prevent the abuse of the auction system.
Auction's Procedures There will be a period for physical viewing of each auction item, arranged between seller and buyer. Bidders can also view the items on the Internet in photographic or video form.
Once enquiries and arrangements to view physical products are completed, bidder can submit his or her bid on the net. To submit a bid, bidder needs to know the base price of each product and malce a payment equivalent to 20% of the value of the product to the system owners/managers during bidding. This payment is refundable.
In-Agents in 'Auction House'
Enquiry
Members can contact auction sellers for enquiries through the 'JUST CALL ME' features and arrange to view the products before the auction's date. Sale Confirmation
Upon the announcement of Bidding Result, the successful bidder can proceed to 'Sales Confirmation' to pay the balance of the 80%o bid's value online. Alternatively, the successful bidder can acknowledge the bidding result and send out an acknowledgement message by informing the system that he is sending out the payment by normal mail.
In-Agent for building Human Relationships
In-agent is designed to perform multi-tasks in bringing human relationships closer and at the same time provide a business platform for all business associates to conduct business dealing in a more transparent manner, for all buyers, sellers and brokers.
The two main areas to focus on are the social and business fields. In order to create human understanding among one another, we focus on the basic interaction in the Social field by creating three tasks being the 'ice-brealcer', 'sharing' and 'my opinion'. In any development of new relationships, there is always a starting point between two parties regardless of whether the people are of the opposite or same sex. Here, 'ice-breaker' sets to nurture any new relationship from a cold start. It is through the social field that we are able to create a better understanding among people and then subsequently into the business field, which is the reason many businesses are concluded on the golf course. In the business field, we malce business as transparent as possible. To achieve this goal, we created six tasks (these tasks will increase under different circumstances), mainly 'Enquiry', 'Negotiation', 'Professional Advice', 'Sale Confirmation', 'Match-n-Mix' and 'Complaints'. Here, we help businesses to develop and progress and guide these businesses into its expansion. Business associates can view their progress with one another in the Tn-agent Progress Summary'. The Tn-agent Progress Summary' is basically an overview report for all parties that participate in a business transaction.
Social In-agent
Social In-agent is about helping to grow the relationship between two unknown parties. Social In-agent helps to grow the relationship by addressing the following 3 areas:
a) Ice breaker
b) Sharing
c) My opinion.
The following procedure (an example) shown how social In-agent can help to grow the relationship: a) When user 1 logs-on the net with an intention to find a friend (no restriction to boy to girl type), he/she can browse through a list of persons on the net (i.e. iwantthese.com). b) By looking at the home page of a person (Figure 6), he/she is provided with 3 social in- agent functions. c) Because in this case, user 1, does not know this person John, so, when user 1 clicks the 'My Opinion' tab, the opinion of this person John is 'zero', as shown in Figure 7. d) As depicted in Figure 7, there is a list of pre-defined opinon pointers. Each pointer corresponds to one personal characteristic. e) When user 1 clicks on the 'Sharing' tab (see Figure 8), he/she will be able to see a list of common interest items. This is possible, because both the user 1 and John have registered and given their personal profiles to the system. Thus, the system will automatically match their interests when user 1 clicks on the 'Sharing' tab. f) However, because user 1 still doesn't know John, and both have no sharing, the sharing areas is empty. g) If user 1 decides he/she would like to know John, he can then click on the 'ice breaker' tab (As shown in Figure 9). h) As seen in Figure 9, there is a list of personality tests in the ice-brealcer area. Say, user 1 (Julia)is interested in establish a romantic relationship between them, she can request John to fill- in the 'Love Test'. i) When John next logs-in to the portal, he will receive a message indicating a friendship request from user 1, say Julia. j) As shown in Figure 10.1, John can select from a list of 'love test questionnaires'. He can then either fill-in the questionnaires from one of these tests, or use existing test results.
k) After completing the love test, he can send this to Julia, or alternatively, he can reject the request or ask for an 'Exchange'. When he activates the 'Exchange', this means the test results will not be immediately updated to Julia. Only after Julia has filled-in and submitted her love test (Figure 10.2), will the system then update both results in each of their 'My Opinon' page, as shown in Figure 11.
1) Note that, only the user himself/herself will know the test result as shown in Figure 11.
To elaborate, in this case, John will know the test result of Julia, whilst, Julia will know the test result of John. However, both John and Julia will not know their own test results. In which case, if John would like to reveal the result to Julia, he can do so by updating it to the 'Sharing area'. m) As the relationship grows between the two parties, either one may decide to update the Sharing area (as shown in Figure 12). Note that, the Sharing area is private only to both parties, i.e. Julia and John. The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used in this description does not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions.
While it has been convenient to describe the invention herein in relation to particularly preferred embodiments, it is to be appreciated that other constructions and arrangements are considered as falling within the scope of the invention. Various modifications, alterations, variations and/or additions to the constructions and arrangements described herein are also considered as falling within the scope and ambit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of communication in a network which includes at least a central computer and a first remote computer, comprising :
(a) sending a message from the first computer to the central computer identifying a list of prioritized communication media designated by a user of the first remote computer; and
(b) storing the list of prioritized communication media in the central computer.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:
(c) sending a message from a second computer to the central computer identifying the user of the first remote computer as the intended addressee for the message;
(d) in response to the receipt of the message, retrieving from the central computer the stored list of prioritized communication media designated by the first remote computer; and
(e) sending a message from the central computer to the second remote computer, the message at least including the highest priority of the prioritized communication media.
3. A method of communication in a network which includes at least a central computer and a remote computer, comprising the steps of:
(a) sending a message from the remote computer to the central computer identifying a user of another remote computer as the intended addressee for the message; (b) in response to the receipt of the message, retrieving from the central computer a stored list of prioritized communication media designated by the other remote computer; and
(c) sending a message from the central computer to the remote computer, the message at least including the highest priority of the prioritized communication media.
4. A method of operating a remote computer for communication in a network comprising:
(a) inputting a list of prioritized communication media designated by a user of the remote computer;
(b) storing in memory the list of prioritized communication media; and (c) initiating a message from the remote computer to a central computer identifying the list of prioritized communication media.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein in step (a) the list of prioritized communication media is established by selection from a list including user contact addresses for e-mail, telephone, radio, television, satellite link, facsimile, voice mail, hard copy mail, pager, mobile phone, message services, teleconferencing, audioline, voice interactive systems, chat line, ICQ, web sites, and/or computers.
6. A method of operating a remote computer for communication in a network comprising:
(a) initiating a message to a central computer identifying a user of another remote computer as the intended addressee for the message; and
(b) receiving a message from the central computer including at least the highest priority of a list of prioritized communication media designated by the other remote computer and stored in the central computer.
7. A method of operating a central computer for communication in a network comprising :
(a) receiving a message from a remote computer identifying a list of prioritized communication media designated by a user of the remote computer; (b) storing in memory the list of prioritized communication media in the central computer;
(c) receiving a message from another remote computer identifying a user of the remote computer of the user as the intended addressee for the message;
(d) retrieving from the central computer, the stored list of prioritized communication media designated by the remote computer of the user; and (e) initiating a message from the central computer to the other remote computer, the message at least including the highest priority of the prioritized communication media.
8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the list of prioritized communication media is established by selection from a list including user contact addresses for e-mail, telephone, radio, television, satellite link, facsimile, voice mail, hard copy mail, pager, mobile phone, message services, teleconferencing, audioline, voice interactive systems, ICQ, chat line, web sites, and/or computers.
9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the remote computer (s) communicates with the central computer over a communications network operating using a variety or mixture of protocols comprising Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCPIP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Hyper Test Transfer Protocol (HTTP), or Third Generation (3G).
10. A remote computer for communication in a network comprising:
(a) an input device to input a list of prioritized communication media designated by a user of the remote computer;
(b) a memory to store the list of prioritized communication media; and (c) a message initiator to send a message from the remote computer to a central computer identifying the list of prioritized communication media.
11. The remote computer of claim 10 further comprising at least one selection screen from which the list of prioritized communication media is established, the screen including user contact addresses for e-mail, telephone, radio, television, satellite link, facsimile, voice mail, hard copy mail, pager, mobile phone, message services, teleconferencing, audioline, voice interactive systems, chat line, ICQ, web sites and/or computers.
12. A remote computer for communication in a network comprising: (a) a message initiator to send a message to a central computer identifying a user of another remote computer as the intended addressee for the message; and
(b) a message receiver to receive at least the highest priority of a list of prioritized communication media designated by the other remote computer and stored in the central computer.
13. A central computer for communication in a network comprising:
(a) a message receiver to receive a message from a remote computer identifying a list of prioritized communication media designated by a user of the remote computer;
(b) a memory to store the list of prioritized communication media in the central computer; (c) the message receiver further adapted to receive a message from another remote computer identifying a user of the remote computer of the user as the intended addressee for the message;
(d) a data retriever to retrieve from the central computer, the stored list of prioritized communication media designated by the remote computer of the user; and
(e) a message initiator to send a message from the central computer to the other remote computer, the message at least including the highest priority of the prioritized communication media.
14. A method of communication in a network which includes at least a central computer and a first remote computer, comprising: (a) sending a message from the first remote computer to the central computer engaging the central computer as a broker/host for a potential business transaction relating to predetermined property, goods and/or services to be offered by the user of the first computer;
(b) displaying on the central computer, the availability of the property, goods and/or services; (c) permitting access to the display by other computers;
(d) receiving and storing in the memory of the central computer, communications between one or more of the users of the other computers and the central computer relating to the property, goods and/or services; and
(e) transmitting the communications to the first remote computer; wherein all commimications between the other computers and the central computer relating to the property, goods and/or services are accessible by the user of the first remote computer.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the availability of the property, goods and/or services includes information relating to the price, description, image, inspection and/or supply of the property, goods and/or services.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein the communications include the central computer responding with additional availability information relating to the property, goods and/or services.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein the communications include the central computer negotiating the purchase and/or hire of the property, goods and/or services according to predetermined directions from the user of the first remote computer.
18. The method of claim 14 wherein the communications include the central computer receiving a purchase and/or a hire order including some or all purchase monies relating to a purchase or hire of the property, goods and/or services.
19. The method of claim 14 wherein the communications include bids for the purchase or hire of the property, goods and/or services.
20. The method of anyone of claims 17 to 19 wherein the communications include the central computer issuing confirmation notification of the purchase and/or hire of the property, goods and/or services.
21. The method of claim 14 further comprising: (f) sending a message from the first computer to the central computer identifying a list of prioritized communication media designated by a user of the first remote computer; and
(g) storing the list of prioritized communication media in the central computer.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the list of prioritized communication media is established by selection from a list including user contact addresses for e-mail, telephone, radio, television, satellite link, facsimile, voice mail, hard copy mail, pager, mobile phone, message services, teleconferencing, audioline, voice interactive systems, chat line, ICQ, web sites, and/or computers.
23. The method of claim 21 further comprising:
(h) in response to a communication by one or more of the users of the other computers relating to the property, goods and/or services, retrieving from the central computer the stored list of prioritized communication media designated by the first remote computer; and
(i) sending a response message from the central computer to the communication, the response message at least including the highest priority of the prioritized communication media.
24. A central computer for communication in a network comprising: (a) a message receiver to receive a message from a first remote computer to the central computer engaging the central computer as a broker/host for a potential business transaction relating to predetermined property, goods and/or services to be offered by the user of the first computer;
(b) a display on the central computer accessible by other computers, to display the availability of the property, goods and/or services;
(c) a receiver to receive in the central computer, communications between one or more of the users of the other computers and the central computer relating to the property, goods and/or services; d) a memory to store the communications between one or more of the users of the other computers and the central computer relating to the property, goods and/or services;
(e) a message initiator to communicate with the first remote computer and the other computers; wherein all communications between the other computers and the central computer relative to the property, goods and/or services are accessible by the user of the first remote computer.
25. The central computer of claim 24 wherein the availability of the property, goods and/or services includes information relating to the price, description, image, inspection and/or supply of the property, goods and/or services.
26. The central computer of claim 24 further characterized by:
(a) the message receiver being adapted to receive a message from the remote computer identifying a list of prioritized communication media designated by the user of the remote computer;
(b) the memory being adapted to store the list of prioritized communication media in the central computer;
(c) a data retriever to retrieve from the central computer, the stored list of prioritized communication media designated by the remote computer; and
(e) the message initiator being adapted to send a message from the central computer to one or more of the other computers, the message at least including the highest priority of the prioritized communication media.
27. The central computer of claim 26 wherein the list of prioritized communication media is established by selection from a list including user contact addresses for e-mail, telephone, radio, television, satellite link, facsimile, voice mail, hard copy mail, pager, mobile phone, message services, teleconferencing, audioline, voice interactive systems, chat line, ICQ, web sites, and/or computers.
28. A computer based communications system for human interaction comprising:
(a) a file of a first user including information characterising interests of the first user;
(b) a file of a second user including information characterising interests of the second user; (c) a comparitor for comparing the files and identifying common information interest characteristics of the first user and second user in response to a search query invoked by the first or second user;
(d) a display for displaying to the users, results of the query of the inquirer; and (e) an interaction screen system to facilitate interaction between the first user and the second user, the screens including a menu screen presenting at least three options to each user relating to such interaction, the at least three options displayed on separate screens being:
(i) a first screen having predetermined questions to permit the user to input details about the user's personal characteristics, optionally as a result of a request to input data by the other user;
(iii) a second screen permitting sharing between the first user and the second user of the information inputted into the first screen ;
(iv) a third evaluation screen permitting the evaluation of the input details, which is optionally shared with the other user.
29. The computer based communications system of claim 28 wherein the interaction evaluation system is not adapted to share information between a first user and the second user unless both users agree to do so.
30. The computer based communications system of claim 28 wherein the information characterizing interests include hobbies, sport and/or other recreational interests of a user.
31. The computer based communications system of claim 28 wherein the predetermined questions in the first screen include a love test, emotion test, honesty test, courage test, a loyalty test and/or a trustworthy test.
32. The computer based communications system of claim 28 wherein the third evaluation screen displays a calculation of a rating(s) based upon the inputted date into the first screen.
PCT/SG2001/000133 2000-06-26 2001-06-25 People network communication system WO2002001450A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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SG200003584-0 2000-06-26

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Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6023700A (en) * 1997-06-17 2000-02-08 Cranberry Properties, Llc Electronic mail distribution system for integrated electronic communication

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6023700A (en) * 1997-06-17 2000-02-08 Cranberry Properties, Llc Electronic mail distribution system for integrated electronic communication

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
HANDLEY M ET AL: "RFC 2543 SIP: Session Initiation Protocol" NETWORK WORKING GROUP, March 1999 (1999-03), XP002173547 *

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